Every time I walk passed the decrepit remnants of what used to be the infamous Santa Fe Café, I think to myself, “They really need to put this place to good use.”
Lately, those students of College Park who are 21 and older have been blessed with the foundations of The Barking Dog and Looney’s Pub; but, what about the rest of us?
President Loh has been directing the local police force to undermine the underage drinking scene in both the bars and house parties. Clubs in D.C., such as Fur, allow 18-year-olds to join the club atmosphere, but transportation and admission can be costly while the strangers can be creepy. So, why can’t we have a place that welcomes both students who are under and over the legal drinking age closer to home?
With a simple process such as “X-ing out” students’ hands or providing 21+ bracelets, one brave soul could transform the nightlife of College Park.
Reality check: there are students who don’t actually drink, and students who don’t take the risk of purchasing a fake ID. An 18+ club and bar in College Park could become their new haven. Students constantly stress, “I just really wanna dance.” Owen Davis, an undecided sophomore, is one of these fellow partygoers who doesn’t need alcohol for a good time. Davis said, “At most parties I go to, everyone is playing pong or sitting around drinking,” which he has no problem with, but the different states of mind can be bothersome.
He continued, “Not only do I think an 18+ bar would be fun, I think it would be economically successful.” Davis pointed out that the club would be the perfect place for freshmen and those who aren’t in Greek life because partying opportunities can be slim for these students. “There were several times last year when my group of friends would go out trying to find a party, but the guys wouldn’t be able to get in anywhere,” Davis said.
So, let’s review the pros. The drive to purchase a fake ID would be virtually extinguished; 21+ can still get their drink on while all 18+ can get their dance on; the cops would not have to hassle the other bars; non-Greek and underage students can avoid rejection; and finally, that owner would make a sh*t ton of money by providing such an accessible and favorable service.
Now, what are the cons?
Someone may complain about the possible danger of an increased use of the commonly-practiced pregame. However, as Katelyn Gerding, a sophomore nursing major, stated, “Underage kids are already pre-gaming to go to the bars or any other parties; this really wouldn’t make any difference.” She said students who want to drink are always going to find ways to drink if they want, but the establishment of this club would only produce positive results.
I also thought of the possibility that the legal drinkers may be bothered by a prominent presence of those students who are “below” their level, but Peter Perrella, a junior kinesiology major, reassured my doubts. “That would be perfectly all right because that student is making the choice to go to that club over one of the four other bars he or she could drink at,” said Perrella. He said that if those students want to avoid the younger partygoers, they would simply go to Looney’s or The Barking Dog.
What did we learn? If any kind of entrepreneur just so happens to read this article, take my advice: Become a winner, legend and the next College Park Steve Jobs. Establish this club!